Called into Family

The Gift of Faith
Restorative Faith
A Family Reunion

2 Timothy 1:3-10  The Message

To Be Bold with God’s Gifts

^3-4 Every time I say your name in prayer—which is practically all the time—I thank God for you, the God I worship with my whole life in the tradition of my ancestors. I miss you a lot, especially when I remember that last tearful good-bye, and I look forward to a joy-packed reunion.

^5-7 That precious memory triggers another: your honest faith—and what a rich faith it is, handed down from your grandmother Lois to your mother Eunice, and now to you! And the special gift of ministry you received when I laid hands on you and prayed—keep that ablaze! God doesn’t want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible.
^8-10 So don’t be embarrassed to speak up for our Master or for me, his prisoner. Take your share of suffering for the Message along with the rest of us. We can only keep on going, after all, by the power of God, who first saved us and then called us to this holy work. We had nothing to do with it. It was all his idea, a gift prepared for us in Jesus long before we knew anything about it. But we know it now. Since the appearance of our Savior, nothing could be plainer: death defeated, life vindicated in a steady blaze of light, all through the work of Jesus.

For Reflection 

We are called by God not only into a life of individual salvation, but also, into a community of faithful.  We are not independent from our culture or the Kingdom into which we are called.  This Kingdom is a family, the Household of God.  As such, we share our blessings and our sufferings with God and with each other.  Our faith is bolstered by our common call, scripture, prayer and the fellowship of each other. 

Pray

that you will be a faithful participant in the Kingdom of God.  Pray for the wisdom to sustain your commitment to the community of the faithful.  Pray that your witness to the resurrection of Christ will be an anchor of faith that supports others and invites all to the Lord's table.